Gardening

Architect of the Capitol (AOC) gardeners care for the grounds of the Capitol Building, the Congressional Office Buildings, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and the U.S. Botanic Garden.

More than 90 acres of turf-grass and over 30 acres in landscape beds are under the AOC's care across Capitol Hill. The year round care and cultivation of these grounds and landscape beds falls to AOC's gardeners. Every year, this team of gardeners plants between 50,000–70,000 annual flowers and 70,000 tulips and spring bulbs, and spread more than 3,000 yards of mulch.

In addition, their work involves learning such trade practices and skills such as proper usage of tools and equipment; how to read blueprints, sketches, and technical manuals to understand the use of equipment and the proper placement of plants and trees; and how to plan and lay out work.

They also plant, transplant, water, prune and trim a variety of plants, seeds and plant materials using knowledge of seasonal schedules, project plans, weather suitability, soil moisture and plant growth stages to make decisions. The AOC gardeners plan and execute small scale landscaping operations.

AOC gardeners are knowledgeable in how to prepare seeds, plants and transplants by adding amendments, cultivating and grading using knowledge of correct conditions such as chemical composition, depth, moisture, temperature, humidity and ventilation requirements to encourage germination and growth.

These individuals are responsible for fertilizing and watering as needed. They use equipment to mow, seed, fertilize, lime and spray lawn areas. They also select, measure, mixes, and apply fertilizers and chemical control agents to control common plant diseases, insects and weeds.

The Green Thumbs

Meet a few of the green-thumbed visionaries who bring life and beauty to the campus. We asked them to share their thoughts on what makes gardening so special, here's what they had to say.

AOC Gardeners Isaiah Mcbryde, William Parker and Rebecca Blithe working on projects throughout the Capitol campus.

"Gardening allows me to create spaces that pay homage to nature and serves as an escape from urban environments." — Isaiah Mcbryde, Gardener

"I love having a garden project in front of me and taking my time to make it look better than when I started. There is something very rewarding to step back after a project is done and look at the finished product." — William Parker, Gardener

"Gardening allows me to connect with nature by observing and participating in its rhythms. The seasons changing, watching the plants, animals and insects all prepare for the winter followed by the joy of them waking in the spring to flourish in the summer to start the cycle all over again." — Rebecca Blithe, Gardener